Fishmeal Replacement with Hermetia illucens Meal in Aquafeeds: Effects on Zebrafish Growth Performances, Intestinal Morphometry, and Enzymology

Fishmeal (FM) is still the most important protein source in aquafeeds. However, due to reduction of wild fish stocks used for FM production, its manufacturing it now unsustainable. Insect meal represents a valid alternative FM, low carbon footprint production and high nutritional value. The aim this study was investigate potentials replacing with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) (HIM) aquafeeds, using zebrafish as animal model. Four diets were formulated increasing HIM/FM replacement rate (the control diet contained 20% FM). Mortality rates, growth performances, feed consumptions measured, intestine samples collected histological enzymatic analysis. After 49 days, all groups almost tripled their initial body weight (cumulative gain ranged between 143.9 155.2 mg), no statistically significant differences among treatments observed relation performances traits. Contrarily, trypsin, alkaline phosphatases, alpha amylase–glucoamylase activities significantly reduced when increased. In conclusion, HIM may represent an since adverse effects included up diet, even 100% FM.